Politics, anyone?

Rashmi Bansal asks why the so-called ‘NextGen’ youth Indian politicians haven’t made any impact so far. Let me hazard a guess: Because the oldies haven’t given them a chance to actually accomplish something.

I imagine the situation to be like this:

Young neta goes to old neta and says: ‘I have an interesting idea to make power
available in the villages’.

O: We do not have enough power in the cities itself. Concentrate on that.
Y: We can use the same idea for the cities.
O: Talk to the concerned authorities.
Y: Which agency I should talk to? There are so many.
O: You’re a neta. Find out.

And finally, the young neta goes away grumbling… discouraged yet again.

If you don’t believe this could happen, read about how Lalu remains in power, it’ll shock you.

I still want to believe Rashmi’s words when she says

Given facts if political life such as corruption will remain – whether the young or old are in
power – I for one would still plump for youth. Because young politicans – thanks in part to
their fancy overseas education – have a greater stake in seeing the country progress than
politicians well past the prime of their lives.

I hope the youth politicians do make a difference. Emphasis on hope.

Aside: Rashmi Bansal writes a very interesting blog called ‘Youth Curry’ where she discusses the youth trends in India. Some of my favorite articles by her is ‘Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan’ where she discusses about the freedom and opportunities for Indian girls and the article about what Google can teach youth marketers.

Rashmi is a journalist and has written many articles for Business World, she’s an IIM-Ahmedabad alumnus and founder-editor of JAM Magazine.